NEDSRA wheelchair basketball program seeks players
Wheelchair basketball players younger than 21 can sign up for Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association’s Junior Bulls program for the 2013-14 season at Centennial Park in Addison.
Players are grouped by their age and basketball abilities, and coaches work with them to develop their skills.
Last year, the Junior Bulls were ranked 11th in the nation after competing in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association tournament in Louisville, Ky.
“We had better-than-expected results at the tourney, and we hope to continue to improve with the addition of more players,” Coach Adam Kramer said.
The junior wheelchair basketball program originated in 1994 with an event called Wheelchair Bulls Kids’ Day. This event introduced wheelchair basketball to more than 100 children with disabilities and was organized by the Chicago Wheelchair Bulls, an adult basketball team sponsored by the NBA Chicago Bulls.
It is now an annual event co-sponsored by Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association, which provides the gym, court time and staffing.
NEDSRA manages two junior-level teams. The Preparatory team, for ages 12 and younger, plays with an 8½-foot high basket and uses a smaller ball. The JV team, for ages 13 to 21, plays with regulation-size basketballs and baskets.
The rules follow NCAA regulations, with a few exceptions. The most significant difference is that you must dribble the ball after touching your chair wheels twice. Chairs are expected to make contact, but no recklessness or holding wheelchairs is permitted. NEDSRA has sport chairs available for beginning players.
Opportunities to play after high school continue to expand as the popularity of wheelchair basketball grows. Midwestern colleges such as the University Illinois, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, University of Missouri and Southwest Minnesota State University have men’s wheelchair basketball programs and some have women’s teams.
“Collegiate programs are recruiting players to play wheelchair basketball,” Kramer said.
Ryan Glatchak, a 14-year-old Addison resident, has been playing wheelchair basketball with the Junior Bulls for two years.
“My biggest thrill was going to the national tournament last year,” said Glatchak, who added he would like to continue to play after high school. “I have already been talking with the adult Wheelchair Bulls,” he said.
Along with the Bulls, other local teams are the Chicago Cruisers and the Chicago Fire. The Fire is associated with the Midwest Wheelchair Sports and Social Club.
The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago offers men a chance to play with the RIC Hornets team. Women can play with the RIC Sky, affiliated with the Chicago Sky women’s professional basketball team. The National Wheelchair Basketball Association also organizes teams and tournaments through its website.
Any players interested in the Junior Bulls should contact Coach Kramer at (630) 576-4037 before Friday, Sept. 20, or stop at the NEDSRA office, 1770 W. Centennial Place, Addison. For information, visit nedsra.org.